Next time you face a problem, try reversing the problem. Say you are hosting a seminar and need to increase sponsorship. Sit down and make a list of all the ways you know how to DECREASE sponsorship. Or say you need to increase productivity in your department... make a list of all the ways you know to DECREASE productivity. The answers to your problems will be found in your lists. You can find problems you may not have been aware of before, and identifying them makes it easier to fix them!
Often, the real problem is masked. When discussing problems, try stating the problem in different ways, and ask for differing viewpoints. Explaining the problem to others out loud helps clarify it. Sometimes exploring what you DON'T want to happen can be just as useful as exploring what you DO want to happen!
Sometimes it is a matter of asking the right questions when we want the answer to problems. Sometimes we need to ask "What if..." questions. This is where your imagination comes in handy. Brainstorm!
Study how others have handled similar problems. Adapt their "answers" to meet your needs, or add their solutions to your list of possible remedies!
Don't settle for the first solution offered. You may find you end up with several possible solutions and one of them will be better than the rest.
Keep notes of your possible solutions - they may come in handy for future brainstorming sessions when discussing new problems.
Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
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